Thursday, June 30, 2011

What oh What to Register for (and how)??

You are engaged, planning a wedding, planning a life together.  You have made it thru many steps in the planning process and now it's time to register for wedding gifts.  This can be both fun and stressful and we hope that the below information will help guide you thru the process with ease.

1.  Prior to visiting stores sit down and talk about the items you NEED not just the ones you WANT.  Once you have your list you can attack all the registries in one day, yes grooms you should do this with your bride.

2.  Decide what type of stores you want to register at and it's okay to have a few registries, but keep in mind some people will buy you a gift that is not on your registries.  That's okay, just keep in mind they have purchased the gift because it reminds them of you or they think it is something you will enjoy.

3. It's ok to register at a high dollar store and an everyday store just make sure they are available to your guests.  Don't register at a store where your guests can only buy online as many want to go and see in person what you have registered for.  However, do make sure you have a range of items on your registries.  Do not register for only expensive things. 

4. Research. Check with your friends, ask what products they got and loved and what did they register for and NEVER use.  Read the reviews on items you like, if lots of people have problems with them maybe it's not the product/brand you want.  You don't have to do this for everything, but the larger high dollar items you will.  People will spend big money on those items, why replace them a year later because it doesn't work?

5. Do Not Register for EVERYTHING on the must have list the stores will give you.  Most of those you don't need, have never heard of or won't use.  In fact don't even look at the list till after your intitial registration visit.

6. DO register for at least 12 place setting in everyday and fine china, silverware and glassware.  At some point you will have a family gathering at your house and will need at least 12.  Most china patterns get discontinued after a few years and you may not be able to find it.

7. Print copies so you can review your registries.  Make sure you haven't registered for the same thing at 2 or more locations.  You will get multiple items and will need to return them.  This is when you can compare your want/need list, the must have list and your registries.  But don't overdo it.

8. Make sure you understand the registry completion program.  Some give you 10% off after your wedding on everything LEFT on your registry you buy.  Some give you points based on what your guest buy.  Make sure you read thru and get the most out of your completion.  Also check for free items.  Some china sets go on sale and when you buy certain pieces you get another piece free or discounted.

Below are links to some of our favorite places to register.
Amazing Registry
Bed, Bath and Beyond
Crate and Barrel
Macy's
Marriott Registry
Our Wishing Well
Target

Remember this is a fun part of the process and Yes it is OK to ask for Gift Cards and to ask an associate to help.  :)  Check back later for another post about registries including what to do with those cards, when to open gifts and for the guests when and what to send. 

For additional questions call or email.
Lisa Marie
Events by Lisa Marie
503-830-7779

Monday, June 27, 2011

Travel in Style

So you have survived the planning process, or at least you are close to being done with it.  You are finalizing those little details and you want to really leave your wedding with a grand exit.  You may be wondering how to do that.  Well why not leave in one of the nicest cars in town?


For the same price you will pay to rent a limo you could leave in Oregon's ONLY 1947 Rolls Royce.   Maybe you are having your wedding in one location and reception in another, why not ride in style with your new Husband (or Wife) for some quiet time just the two of you.  

And better yet, you can even book them online.  Just go to the website and click on Contact us for a Quote.  Its just that easy.  This car will truly make your wedding a memorable event. 

www.BestCarInTown.com
503-936-8103

A ride for just you two, a grand exit from the wedding or reception, maybe even a special way to arrive at your wedding.  With many happy couples this car will not disappoint you.

Don't Delay Call for your Complimentary Consultation Today
Lisa Marie
Events by Lisa Marie
www.EventsByLisaMarie.com
info@eventsbylisamarie.com
503-830-7779

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Try Something New!

Many brides want to do something new for their wedding that will make it memorable but still represent their personality.  You may be one of those brides.  But you may be wondering What can I do.  How can I make MY wedding stand out and how do I do this and stay on budget?  Below is one idea about how you can accomplish this.

Chocolate, Chocolate and more Chocolate.
Recently we sat down with Cristina Yen owner of A Yen for Chocolates to discuss many options for a wedding.  We have also included some pictures of her delicious chocolates.


Cristina LOVES her chocolates and loves working with them to create something that is special for a bride and groom.  So why not bridge your centerpieces with your favors?  Almost everyone loves chocolates and you can create a beautiful centerpiece that people will love and can take home with them.  
Here are a few ideas on how to do that.  
1. Use salt blocks to stack on the tables to elevate the chocolates.  Each table can be different.
2. Take small glass vases line the inside with thick ribbon in your wedding colors, add a battery operated light and flip upside down.  This way the light glows with your colors, then stack the chocolates on and around the vase.  This adds some light and color to your display.
3. Ask Cristina to display each chocolate in a box that the guests can take home with them.  Stack them on the tables in various forms with some open and some closed.  Put a note on the table telling guest "How sweet it was for you to attend, here are some sweets for you our friend"


This is a great way to save some money by incorporating two items into one.  It creates a beautiful display on your tables as well as lets the guest take something home with them at the end of the night.  Cristina's chocolates are delicious and your guests will love them.  You can create a packages of one or a variety of flavors in each box.  She creates each chocolate herself and will help you make your wedding unforgettable. 


But don't wait, call Cristina today to set up your own consultation.
Cristina Yen
971.678.3615
www.ayenforchocolates.com

And don't forget to check out her website for additional pictures of her fabulous chocolates, all the different looks and ALL the great flavors she can create. 

Lisa Marie
info@eventsbylisamarie.com
Portland Oregon, Wedding Planner
Don't Delay, Call Today

PS Did I forget to mention she does more than just weddings?  Call her for you next baby shower, birthday party, bridal shower and more. 

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Beautiful Music for Any Event

Many clients ask about live entertainment.  Did you know there are lots of wonderful professionals in the Portland Area who can supply you with live entertainment?  Last week we sat down with Linda Smith with Notes of Celebration to chat about her services.  She has a huge selection of songs she can play for your event.  Haven't heard of her?  Check out her website at http://www.notesofcelebration.com/


Still working on songs for your wedding?  Give Linda a call to chat about how she may be able to help you by playing some beautiful music for your wedding, cocktail hour or even your first dance.  She has been playing since she was very young and even taught piano for many year.

Don't Delay, call Today.
Lisa Marie
Wedding and Event Specialist
503-830-7779